Detroit Lions - Top 10 first-round NFL draft possibilities

FILE - In this Sept. 28, 2013 file photo, Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) runs for a touchdown after making a catch as Wake Forest cornerback Merrill Noel (7) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Clemson, S.C. Watkins is the latest Florida high school standout to make an impact outside the state. He and the third-ranked Tigers take on No. 5 Florida State on Saturday night. (AP Photo/Rainier Ehrhardt, File)

With the NFL draft delayed two weeks this year, there’s been more time to analyze and then analyze again.

The Detroit Lions own the 10th overall pick and who they will draft depends on who the nine teams in front of them select. Unless one of those teams is willing to trade down which remains a strong possibility.

Don’t be surprised if the Lions can’t trade up, that they trade down a few spots. Several defensive backs — a need for the Lions — would be a reach at No. 10.

The draft starts at 8 p.m. on Thursday with the first round. The second- and third-round selections start at 7 p.m. on Friday with the clock for the final rounds starting at noon on Saturday.

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After much studying, here are the top 10 possibilities for the Lions to draft in the first round.

— Sammy Watkins, wide receiver from Clemson, fits with the Lions offense. General manager Martin Mayhew said so on Monday. For the Lions to draft Watkins they will have to trade up to the second or third spot. NFC North defensive backs wouldn’t sleep well knowing the Lions had a triple threat of Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate and Watkins.

— Aaron Donald, defensive tackle from Pittsburgh, is smaller than many defensive linemen (6-foot-1, 285 pounds), but comes off the snap with explosiveness. The Lions are losing patience with Nick Fairley and trying to hold onto Ndamukong Suh. Donald could replace either one or start his career rotating in. He would be the third defensive tackle the Lions have taken in the first round in five years. That may be too many.

— Mike Evans, wide receiver from Texas A&M, has moved up the draft charts but still there’s a chance he could fall to the tenth spot. Or the Lions would have to move up just a few spots to nab him. He’s 6-foot-5, has good hands and would be a good fit in the Lions’ offense. Johnson, Tate and Evans also a good triple threat.

— Darqueze Dennard, cornerback from Michigan State, has met with the Lions and certainly there’s interest. Dennard is considered by some to be the top cornerback in the draft. Justin Gilbert and Kyle Fuller rank higher on some draft boards. Mayhew likes to see competitiveness in corners and that describes Dennard.

— Odell Beckham, wide receiver from LSU, has shot up the draft charts in recent weeks. His speed stands out — he ran a 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Also he’s a uses that speed and explosiveness as a return man with two career punt returns for scores. He’s only 5-foot-11 but his return ability makes him attractive. May be a reach at the 10th pick.

— Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, safety from Alabama, is considered the best among a weak class of safeties. He would be a reach at No. 10, so could see the Lions trading down and still be able to grab him. Good awareness and decisiveness on the field. He’s been compared to Earl Thomas of the Seattle Seahawks.

— Kyle Fuller, cornerback from Virginia Tech, is ranked the best corner by NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock because he’s overall a better football player. ESPN analyst Todd McShay says Fuller’s tackling ability sets him apart. Fuller had a pre-draft visit with the Lions who drafted his brother Corey, a wide receiver, in the sixth round last year.

— Justin Gilbert, a cornerback from Oklahoma State, has been chosen in several mock drafts as the pick for the Lions if they stay at the tenth spot. Gilbert is athletic but inconsistent with footwork and technique. The Lions have questions at cornerback which is one reason there are three corners that are a possibility for them in the first round.

— Zack Martin, an offensive tackle from Notre Dame, will likely move to guard in the NFL. The Lions are looking to groom a guard to eventually replace Rob Sims who is good to go again this season as the starting left guard. Despite the fact that Martin has never played guard, he’s been compared to New England Patriots’ guard Logan Mankins.

— Eric Ebron, tight end from North Carolina, moves like a wide receiver but is often compared to 49ers tight end Vernon Davis. Good acceleration and a large catching radius make him attractive. The Lions have four tight ends on the roster including Brandon Pettigrew and Joe Fauria, so tight end isn’t a real need for the Lions.